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| HERE'S TO AN EXCITING YEAR'S RUNNING! |
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Darlington 10k
It was a cool morning when we set off from my parent’s house. To be fair, this is the north east of England, where mornings are either cool, cold or f***ing freezing! The local town was staging a 10Km road race, with a couple of other runs for the younger athletesIt was a cool morning when we set off from my parent’s house. To be fair, this is the north east of England, where mornings are either cool, cold or f***ing freezing! The local town was staging a 10Km road race, with a couple of other runs for the younger athletes
To read more Click here
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Belper Rugby Rover 18.5 miles 15.8.10 Posted by Michael and Jo
It's always a new experience to run in a completely different part of the country, not knowing what to expect from a course and how to run it. We managed to get hold of the route and worked out more or less where the hills were etc. On arriving and registering we discovered the route went in the opposite direction...any stratergies going out the window. This was an area we knew from our childhood so it felt familiar but not so familiar we could second guess how hard it would be.
The following reports are a view from not quite the front and not quite the back but an amazing 50 minutes apart. Click here to read more.
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Llantony Priory Fell Race 7.8.10
Awaiting report. |
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Brecon 10 mile 1.8.10 Posted by Jo
A good turn out as usual for our local race. Gran Canarian Hotfooter Michael put in an excellent run just finishing behind David. Ange put in an amazing 18 min improvement on last year, not called the Llanigon flyer for nothing. Carl was out injured but was invaluable trackside with the camera! The Brecon 10 is a hard fast run, winding around country lanes starting and finishing at the sports track at the leisure centre. The first 5 miles have some steady down hills and relatively flat sections before heading back from about 7 miles up hill. Once you get to the top you can really rev it up a gear and charge along to the finish on the track. I'm not a fan of road races (old age creeeping up and dodgy knees, however this is always a favourite and one I'd never miss!
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Kymin’s Dash Race Report 25.7.10 Posted by Sam Results and pics to follow.
I made a last minute decision to enter this race thinking that it would be a nice Sunday stroll with a bit of lunch afterwards. 7 miles seemed a reasonable distance and after enquiring about the course I thought that a small hill in the middle of the race would be ok. OMFG…hill….more like a small mountain!! In actual fact, the Kymin Dash covers approximately 7 miles of mixed terrain. It circles the town and ascends and descends the Kymin, a local viewpoint at 850ft, by forest tracks, field paths and minor roads to end on the town's recreation ground. Jo, Caroline, Carl, Tina, Claire and myself headed out from Hay to Monmouth for a 1.50pm race start. The weather was incredibly close and sticky and I had already sweated half a ton before I had even started. The race began in the town centre and there were plenty of crowds to cheers us all on. The climb to the top of Kymin hill was painstaking with the sun blazing down on us all the way. A couple of times I had to give in and walk as I was running so slowly that I was being overtaken by walkers! We were, however, rewarded at the top by a breathtaking view of the monmouthshire countryside. Winding down the hill we went through some beautiful woodlands until we ended up back in the town. I had built up some momentum on the descent and only just missed taking out a couple of pedestrians who were minding their own business on the pavement! A short sprint to the finish line was rewarded by a glass of water, a banana and mango cereal bar (yes i know - a weird cereal bar combo!!) and a key ring for our efforts! We ended the day with a delicious meal, good company and a bottle of wine so the pain of the Kymin hill was already fading to a distant memory...well at least until next year! |
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WINE RUN LANZAROTE 21st JUNE 2010 Posted by Michael (Jo's brother)
As honorary Hay Hotfooter based abroad in Gran Canaria, I wore the club running vest with pride at the 2nd Wine Run half marathon in Lanzarote at the end of June. Having seen this race reviewed in Runners World last year, I was green with envy to hear how good it had been and swore that I would be there the following year. True to my word, there I was at the starting line wondering just how much of a race it would be since the route takes in about 8 different wine bodegas with wine on supply as an interesting (but not entirely) practical alternative to isotonic drinks. To drink or not to drink?
Click here to read more. |
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Carl and Ange. Welsh 3000 Challenge Posted by Ange
There is so much I would like to say about the whole Welsh 3000 experience that to do so would take ages to write, be pages long and would still not do it justice. So, for the sake of this report, and everbody’s time and patience, I have decided to limit it to the highs, the lows and a little of the bits in between. Here goes:-
Click here to read on.
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Gords 6 10th July 2010 Posted by Rachel 
Not for us the gentle stroll in the hills. For the intrepid five, Tina, Lily, Claire, David and me, an evening of forging our way through undergrowth, past wild beasts and swarms of man-eating insects was before us. OK, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. The hedgerows round the stiles were well trimmed, the bull was safely in his field being tickled by the Vegan Runners (not sure bulls can read) and complaining that he couldn’t’ get into the WVR photo, and the insect repellent meant that the midges didn’t bite, but merely left a crusty coating on exposed limbs. It was however, a warm, airless evening and the slightly altered course was suitably testing.
We assembled at Morgan Jones’ farm just outside Hereford and once David had realised that his comment about jogging round with Lily might not have been wise, we set off. The recent lack of rain left the going firm and dusty and it had been a toss up whether to go for road or multi terrain shoes. The course was slightly different to 2009, and a bit longer. David was the first Hotfooter home hotly pursued by Lily with the rest of us making a good showing in the muggy weather. Last year the finish line rewarded us with an empty water bottle, this year we got the water and a nice mug. We reassembled in the barn for the huge number of prizes. Claire won her category, and there were spot prizes for many of the runners – including my complimentary music lesson – the only question now is which instrument will I go for, accordion, bassoon, or euphonium!
Well done WVR, another cracking event.
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Welsh 3000 The attempt! Posted by Jo
As you can see from the picture opposite the weather wasn't on our side. We spent the night on Snowdon..wet, wet, wet! Ange and I attampted a game of eyespy but gave up after one guess. 5am and we set off knowing deep in our hearts the attempt would be in vein. The team bagged Snowdon and on to Garnedd Ugain (more commonly known as Crib y Ddysgl). The Trig point was shrouded in cloud and the rain persistent, not to mention the severe gusts of wind that almost knocked me sideways. We very wisely bowed to the mountains and retreated back to Shaun and Jules for bacon butties!
Fantastic walk the next day though and the mountains will always be there for us all to do another time. Hay Hotfooters will be back soon Snowdon of that you can be sure. So put September in your diaries and meanwhile enjoy the summer runs and races. Watch this space.......Photos click here
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Aconbury Cross Country Posted by Sharon
Another warm evening with vast views of woodland on arrival. We put in 2 teams with Carl, David and John setting off up front. A long climb which pushed you to the limit. Eventually descent was in sight and a trig point! Mr Motivator (Martyn) as always kindly spurred the girls on as he meandered ahead of us with a close finish between Martyn, Sharon and Angie. I must apologise to HHF for my parting gift at the finish line, I must eat a tad earlier in future! A scrummy choc cake back at the car to celebrate Jules birthday, then all aboard to The Globe to meet up with Jo and Annie to continue the celebrations. A fun evening was had by all. Thank you Angie for providing the transport and Carl for getting us from A to B.
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Something For the Weekend 4.7.10 Posted by Jo
'Hey Jo do you fancy doing this' said Emma after Brecon Tri, 'Matts organising it....looks like fun' 'Yes' I said enthusiasticly not stopping to think but having vague memories of saying something simular to Annie pre Marathon Des Sables!
That was it, 3 weeks later Emma and I were standing in a field at Newcourt farm with our bikes, feeling somewhat dazed. We were given 3 maps and a briefing and before we knew what was happening we were off taking part in our first adventure race!
And what a great day it turned out to be. Click here to read more. www.mightcontainnuts.com Results |
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Club Training night.
Starting at the carpark at the foot of Hay Bluff, we climbed up the long slow drag of The Offa's Dyke path. Lead by John who encouraged everyone to run to the top, we reached the summit and regrouped.
Shaun and Sam had never been to the top so on reaching the trig point were encouraged to stand on the top, like our very own 'Angels of The North'
We then ran down to The Gosspel Pass and back to the car park.
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Welsh 3000 (Training weekend 2) 26.6.10
An excellent weekend overall spoilt only by the inexplicable urge to trudge over the whole of Snowdonia, climb mountains and get up early all to the sound of breaking wind. The highlight was witnessing a flamingo pink full moon in a cloudless sky rising up over the mountains as we neared the top of Snowdon late Friday night. The low point was 1am Saturday morning when it slowly dawned on us that in our hurry to make camp in the dark we had chosen to sleep in the middle of the M25 and that hundreds of noisy walkers (and cyclists!) would endeavour to kick their way through us. Can’t wait for the big day. Tim Click here for photos and more reports |
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Norfolk Super Hero Challenge 19th June 2010 Posted by Susannah
This was the event I joined the Hotfooters to train for, all those months ago ….
Briefly, you compete in teams of 2 and start with a 1 mile swim in the North Sea, with the incoming tide, a 5 mile kayak (2 ½ for women and mixed teams), 38 mile cycle and 7 mile run (which finishes with 1 mile across salt marsh). Easy. I’ve done it twice before and completed it, despite getting lost both times during the cycle stage and adding several demoralizing miles, and I was confident that with my new partner, sister Harriet, I had a far chance of completing it again. Click here to read more......... |
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Hereford 10k 19.6.10 Posted by Jo
A very hot day had us looking for the shadows on this hilly (yes it is, what ever we remember from the last time) course. Some strong runs again from everyone, especially Ange, David and Martin (the younger). As always a well run event and very friendly marshals, and two very welcome water stations. The course is the reverse of the New Years Day run and as usual the debate afterwards was about which route is the hardest. the conclusion was the summer one....but watch this space when we report on the winter loop!
Lunch at The Basmati (very good value) and back home for a spot of snoozing in the sun.
http://wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/ For results |
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Have a go triathlon. Club night Thurs 17th June
On Thursday June 17th our Club night looked a little different as 10 intrepid Hotfooters gathered in the Hay pay-and-display carpark in their swimwear with their bikes (or borrowed bikes) lined up against the fence in ‘transition’. This was the start of the first Hay Hotfooters Have-a-Go Triathlon and with the sun shining nerves were running high. Lots of other club members had turned up to help marshall the event and encourage the competitors on their way. Full report Click here and Photos Click here |
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Cross Country League. Kinnersly 16.6.10 Posted by Jo
We managed to put up 2 mixed teams, which was pretty good for a mid week run. Two new faces to the cross country league, Sharon and Eve....both put in very strong runs. Eve very bravely heading the field at the beginning of the race! The run was two laps round the Bulmer apple orchards (no cider on the way though) with a bit of woodland thrown in. It was a deceptively hard course with some long drags on uneven ground. Good runs from everyone, especially Ange who is living up to her name of the Llanigon Flyer.
The evening was finished off at The Boat Inn, wine, beer and chips. Fantastic. The main conversation this time was Martin (the youngers) night wear for the Welsh 3000 (or lack of it)..we will have to wait and see! |
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Man V Horse June 12th 2010 Posted by Lilly and Jo
Having done this race last year on my own it was a pleasure to be standing on the starting line with Lilly though I didn't have her in my sights for long as she disapeared over the horizen in a trail of dust! This is undoubtedly one of the toughest multi terrain races over 22 miles long and one of the most fun. 404 runners and horses took part, hills, mud, some bog, forest trails and spectacular views. We were met in by my good friends Judy and Maureen complete with picnic and wine! Click here to read more |
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Cape Wrath Challenge week. Posted by Lilly
This was my sixth time at the Cape Wrath Challenges which takes place in and around Durness, a tiny village in the far north west of Scotland. Annually it attracts people from all over the UK to experience unrivalled local hospitality and community spirit, amazing race logistics and runs of varying distances in beautiful mountain and coastal scenery. For the princely sum of £50 you can take part in as many or as few of the following races as you like:
Click here to read more (I'm convinced this is worth the trip!) JO)www.capewrathchallenge.co.uk
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The Magic Roundabout 6.5.2010
Perfect conditions saw a field of 164 and 7 Cannicross runners start off from The Roundabout. A big thanks to all Hay Hotfooters, friends, and family who took part in the organisation and some even found the time to run!
Johnathon Pugh from Builth and District won with a course record of 36.37
Katie Beecher from Les Croupiers was first lady in 42.30
Results and Photos Click here
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The Crockodile 8 May 31st 2010 Posted by Martin the younger
On Sunday 30th May several elite runners represented Hay Hotfooters in the infamous “Crocodile 8” race.
Rachel, Eve, Tina, Angie, John, Martin and Carl bravely competed in the event that is so named due to its’ alleged similarity to the shape of a certain reptilian species. However, a more fitting title
for the race would be “Lovely run through pretty orchards followed by big bloody hill that is impossible to run up”.
Click here to read more (although not a lot more admittedly!)
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Jersey half marathon, May 23rd 2010
The Fantastic North Run in Jersey lives up to its name. It runs in May every year, normally a lovely time to visit this beautiful rocky island. The north coast is the wilder, less visited and more rural side of the island, where there are more jersey cows than human residents, but also flowery headlands and unspoiled sandy coves and beaches.
So next year make a long weekend of it – there are short and cheap flights from Cardiff, Bristol and Birmingham. There were about 520 runners but few clubs represented, a shame as club members from Cardiff, Bristol etc could have a good weekend away (so if you’re reading this…and want more details just get in touch with me or see the race’s website).
Click here for photos and full report. |
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Big Black Mountains Challenge 15.5.10 Posted by Jo
This was my 4th running of The BBMC and Johns first. For the first time the sun was out which made navigating easy as you could see where you were heading. Never follow John though, you get to the right point but have too be very nimble jumping and running over rough ground, taking short cuts, I really don't know how he stays upright! The BBMC is a walking event, but you can run it, walk, run it, or in Johns case fly. There are 3 different distances and will suit all abilities. It's a great way to be introduced to mountain running with minimal navigation.
The start and finish is at llantony Priory, we took the long route (25 miles) which took us to Bal Bach, Pen y Gadair Fawr, Mynydd Llysiau, Waun Fach, Twmpa, Hay Bluff and back to Llantony on The Offas Dyke path. It's full of long steep climbs, fast descents and once at Waun Fach a lovely run across the tops. We passed Martin (the younge)r, walking it with his familly and also bumped into Alison at the start. This is right on our doorstep and raising money for The Black Mountains Rescue Team, a great event to do. Next year I hope to see more HH mountain runners heading for the hills. |
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Ange's Birthday Bash 13.5.10 Posted by Ange
What better way to celebrate a 40th birthday, than going for a run in the beautiful Brecon Beacons with 8 other Hotfooters (some of whom were Pen-Y-Fan virgins) on a bright, but still chilly, May day.
And so it was, after much organisation by first Carl, then Jules, a tiny bit by myself and yet loads more organisation for poor Jules - Claire, Slinky, Shaun, Tina, Emma R, Tim, Emma B, Jules, Suzannah and her two impeccably well behaved labradors and myself made our way to Llwyn Cwm Llwch car park, just outside Brecon.
From here it was a beautiful and not too strenuous (I hope!) walk up to Corn Du and Pen-Y-Fan, passing little Tommy Jones's obelisk on the way.
Click here to read more |
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Welsh 3000 training weekend. Snowdonia 8-9 May
This was the first of 2 training weekends before attempting The Welsh 3000. 10 of us went up to Snowdonia for the weekend, Jo, John, Carl, Charlie, Ange, Tim ], Lilly, Ash, Jules and Shaun (our back up crew) Jules was able to join us for the first day up in the mountains tackling some very hairy rock scrambling and steep descents.
The weather was very kind to us and the sun shone on Sunday giving spectacular veiws over all the peaks. Click here for full report posted by Carl.
click here for photos |
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HAUGHMOND HANDICAP CHASE 3rd MAY, 2010. Posted by Shaun
A bit different this one; though it was the Shropshire Shufflers fourth year of hosting it we hadn’t tried it before so early on Bank Holiday Monday five of us were off up to Shrewsbury – not early enough, I was thinking when we got stuck behind a lorry for half of the drive but arriving at the sports village ten minutes before the first starters I was immediately impressed by the venue – plenty of parking space, no queuing for toilets, efficient help for collecting the timing chips and a short stroll to the start line close to the main building.
We had all been given start times based on our estimated time for the 9 mile course and as an early starter at 11.10 it felt a little strange to have a quiet chat to the half-a-dozen Shufflers at the start line, check my chip in a timing box and wander off alone down the course. Rather like a pleasant Sunday-morning training run, jogging along admiring the scenery, except that every few hundred yards I’d come across an enthusiastic marshal cheering me on, so was obliged to make a bit more effort!
A multi-terrain course along woodland paths and cycle tracks, a bit undulating but nothing difficult, sprinkled with dog-walkers, a few supporters and plenty of marshals, it was a really pleasant run.
It was good to catch a few people up along the way and then got a bit more exciting towards the end when the faster runners began to pass. Technically one could have a mass dash for the line but that didn’t happen though the finish was both fun and competitive as runners of very varied abilities converged.
The timekeeping was impressive – to walk back into the hall five minutes after finishing and see the first page of provisional results being posted was as efficient as you’ll find anywhere. We didn’t have to wait long for the presentations either, which was just as well as in true Hotfooter style we had booked into one of the best restaurants in Shrewsbury for lunch!
Well done to Shropshire Shufflers, great venue, great course and definitely one to look forward to next year.
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Shobbdon Wood 6 April 25th Posted by Jo
While Tina and Suzanna were cycling and running round Hereford, Jo, Shaun, Martyn the elder and Martin the younger, John and Ange, were standing in a carpark in Shobbdon wondering where the usual coffee and cake was! This is no reflection on the organisation but rather the lack of Carls presence and his pre race picnic basket. I didn't even get it together to bring a camera to capture Martin the youngers peacock impressions! Now back to the race, great as always, lots of hills to bust your lungs and a fantasic run through the bluebell wood to finish off before a sprint to the finish line. This is a lovely small event and great to recognise so many faces from the cross country. Well done to Shaun who won his category and just for a change we were still around for the prize giving. www.croftambreyrunningclub.co.uk |
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| HEREFORD DUATHLON RACE REPORT – Posted by Tina
There were just two Hay Hotfooters taking part in this event, Tina and Suzanna (plus prospective member Harriet), as a group of other members had elected to run Shobdon Hilly today. We were amongst just a few other super females (vets that is) at this new, well organised and altogether very enjoyable event. The weather was also perfect with dappled sunshine and a bit of a chill in the breeze. The venue at Whitecross school has good parking and other facilities and there were plenty of helpful marshalls about to guide people and advise those of us who are novices. The duathlon began with a two and a half mile running lap, which although starting in a built up part of Hereford city did not involve crossing any main roads and took in leafy Kings Acre Road and then a country lane and fields. It was good that competitors had been given the opportunity to just run one loop and that more seasoned runners (including the two HHFs of course!) could run two before having to mount their cycles and head off up Three Elms Road, along the Roman Road and out through Credenhill. This also meant that cyclists were better spread out, which had caused me some concern before the event because the route headed across to the main Brecon to Hereford road. However traffic was not an issue at all on this very pleasant, undulating 30 km route. Arriving back at the school it was hard to get the old legs going again to complete another lap of the running route and so the cheerful encouragement all the way around from marshalls was very welcome. It was also great to be able to have a cup of tea and a piece of home made cake before having a shower and changing. We were then able to see the results and watch the presentations before I headed off to the Riverside Inn at Aymestry to meet up with other Shobdon Hilly running HHFs for a great lunch! To reiterate this was a really great event so well done to Hereford Triathlon club – we would definitely do it again and recommend that other members try it next year. Also well done to Suzanna who performed particularly well in the cycling.
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The Lake Anncey Half Marathon April 2010 Posted by Claire
Why you should do this race next year! Great chance for a PB - flat
Glorious scenery around the crystal clear emerald lake with views of snowy Alpine mountains
Brilliant organisation incl water stations every 3km, huge free picnic after, great marshalling and info, medal, mugs, tee shirts, goody bag
Massive support - thousands of spectators cheering on up till the last runner
spend a few days in the area: visit Mont Blanc, you can ski, paraglide, take boat trips, hike, visit Geneva/Lake Geneva.
Click here to read more.
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Marathon Des Sables 2010 4th -10th April Posted by Jo
Many apologies for the lack of postings on our site for the last 2 weeks I've been on a jog across the Sahara with Annie in a little event otherwise know as The Marathon Des Sables. It is reported to be the toughest footrace on earth and at this moment in time I would have to agree with them. 51 degrees, no shade, high humidity, 12kg packs and lots of sand! we drank 63 litres of water, took 200 salt tablets and covered 152 miles of desert. What I have taken a way from this experience is how amazing we humans are, what our bodies can take when we challenge them and how people from all nationalities come together and support each other. The desert is a beautiful place and it was a privalige to spend time there. Click here to see pics |
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Llanbedr to Bleanafon Fell Race 10.4.10 Posted by Charlie
Race Route: Start from Llanbedr Village, up over Crug Mawr, then climb up the back of the Sugar Loaf, down into Abergavenny, out to Llanfoist and then up and over the KILLER - The Blorenge! Finish in Blaenafon. Sounds simple I thought when discussing the race with John and Carl in the relaxed environment of the Blue Boar! Being relatively new to the area (and fell running) I didn’t have a clear understanding of what I was letting myself in for until we drove in convoy to Blaenafon.
Click here to read more |
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Forest of Dean Half Marathon 28.3.10 Posted by Carl
After several months of planning for the FoD the day finally arrived with what was hoped to be the single largest entry to any race by the Hotfooters to date. Unfortunately, due to the rigours of training and winter the expected 19 runners were whittled down to 15 on the day.
The course was mostly off road and on compacted forest trails which, although great to run on, was energy sapping all the same. The weather was fantastic and with a full race of over 2300 runners the atmosphere made it all the more exciting.
Click here to read more Click here for photos
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Brummies Burn 2010 Posted by Martyn (the elder)
Beautiful day for running,even though I felt tired out on the climb
past the British Legion to get a lift from the car park.My sense of
athletic inadequacy was heightened by the sight of Angie doing a warm
up lap of the field and then telling me of her planned Begwyns run the
following morning - I knew that,if I survived the race,I wouldn't be
able to do a lap of the dining room table the next day.Young Martin
joined us full of enthusiasm about the weather,the race and whether
the rising temperatures would lead to us seeing Angie in shorts.
Click here to read more Click here for photos
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Wye Valley Ultra 7.3.10 Posted by Jo
This was our last long event before we go to The MDS. Unlike alot of the ultras we have taken part in there was very little navigation to do so we could concentrate on the running. This meant a harder faster run and we could really feel it by the end. A lovely cold sunny day and a great route though the finish was a little unusual having to negotiate Sunday strollers to get to the finish line. We still managed to go wrong, a bit to much entusiastic running towards the end. the field was pretty fast and we managed to run the 30 miles across varied terrain in 5.54, coming 6th and 7th ladies out of 17. Click here to read full report
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Race Report: Cross Country League - Presteigne- 28th February 2010
A group of eight runners ,with Shaun in support,set off for the final
race of the XC season, forgoing the more masochistic delights of The
Terminator.
In the ladies race,there was good grouping by the HH team,with only
three minutes covering the first four; Angie, the Llanigon Flier, led
the way, followed by Emma R, obviously benefitting from her recent warm
weather training. Next was Susannah who must be getting to like the mud
and then Jules, the Maltese Falcon, who swooped in just behind. Tina was
feeling poorly but bravely completed the course and was cheered up by
getting 3rd place in her age category for the series as a whole - da
iawn Tina!
Tim led the gentlemen home in a good performance on a muddy, hilly
course (Cloughie would have been proud of him).Young Martin acquitted
himself well, despite not finding any tarmac to run on, and this bodes
well for his build up for the 2011 Swan Loop Olympics. I was light
years behind but managed to complete the course, although I did try to
shimmy duck-like to join the shorter ladies race as it branched
off, only to reprimanded by a marshall. Personally, this race had more
k'nell moments than an international swearing convention. My high point
came when the penultimate marshall told me that there was 3/4 mile to
go.The lowest point was when,10 minutes later, the next marshall told
me the same thing. I thought I was trapped in Groundhog Day and would
never get to my pint of Butty Bach at the Sun Inn.
Overall,an interesting race on a very testing course which seemed much
longer than it was supposed to be.Thanks to Shaun for his support. A
small, but well turned out group, had an excellent lunch at the Sun Inn
and I did get my pint(s) of Butty Bach!
Martyn the Elder |
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The Terminator 10 (only it's 11 and a half give or take bit more)
This race has been on my calender for the last 6 years only missed once due to injury.This is a testiment to the addiction of The Terminator. It was the first truely difficult, muddy and wet race I'd ever done and started me off on my determination to seek out mud and hills! Not happy with just putting myself through this torture I have over the last 2 years lured some other innocents into this Fun Fest. Carl, John P and Alan H came a long for the roller coaster of a run. The Terminator lives up to its name!
To read what the others thought of it all click here |
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Pontypridd 10 Posted by Carl There was some speculation as to how monotonous this race would be as reports from previous years had not been great, however, having now finished the race I can definitely recommend it to those Hotfooters who prefer to run on roads rather than off. It was certainly a good training run in preparation for the Forest of Dean half marathon on Mar 28. The route itself consisted of 2 thirds road and a third Taff Trail (this was mostly firm underfoot but with several long stretches of mud and surface water). Click here to read more |
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Winter Wonderland Training Run Posted by Claire
Keen to get a few miles under our belts prior to the Forest of Dean half, three of our toughest mature lady runners – Caroline, Claire and Tina, (and Slinky) set off on a rainy, cold Sunday (21st Feb) from Talybont up the Taff Trail. The weather cleared up and the sun came out and as we crossed the snow line and headed towards Antarctic conditions, we decided the Trail was a bit of a wimpy option and so we ventured into unknown territory (well Caroline had been up here a few years ago) up the old tramline towards ...Tor-y-Foel The snow got thicker as we crossed virgin snow. We turned left onto the enticing Beacons’ trail – stupendous views over meringue-whipped peaks - and then a bit further on set off steeply towards the peak, up and over then down through drifting snow (up to our knees: see photo) which gradually petered out as we re-emerged on the canal (for 3 miles) and a soft, almost spring- like morning with birdsong and filtered sunlight. We had to get a move on, two and a half hours, just over 10 miles. It was truly spectacular, for variety of terrain, altitude gained, climate and views: and range of muscles exercised. If any club member wants details we’d be happy to do a map or route details. |
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Muddy Woody 6 (country miles!) 14.2.10 Posted by Jo
The Muddy Woody is named very aptly. Despite the word at the start was 'it's not that muddy' I beg to differ. Instead of the usual sloppy mud it was sticky, gloopy, running in clay shoes type of mud.....my favorite! Actually I mean it, gloopier the better, not being a speed merchant but quite stubborn, I love the challenge. We had a great turnout, this being a 3 line whip race...not that it took that much persuading the Hay Hotfooters who came, that may well have been the lure of dinner, but that's another story....read on |
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Monkhall Crosscountry League 7.2.10
Posted by Carl
I am exonerated from any blame regarding it being a 'flat course' by my final comment within my 'meet the Hotfooter' entry which reads:
Top tip: Never believe a race is flat until you have finished and it is flat!
Never has it been more true than today's hideous hilly and muddy wee route with the finish being at the top of a rather heart-breaking short sharp hill!
Special praise to Suzannah for completing her first cross country/race with the Hotfooters and for Martyn R for finishing his first race since being injured.
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Liswerry 8 mile 31.1.10 Posted by Tina
Just four Hay Hotfooters (Claire, Tina, Carl and David) set off on a very very cold day to the beautiful (not) city of Newport on January 31st. Race headquarters had moved this year and was adjacent to Newport stadium and velodrome. This site offered good parking, showers at the Velodrome and much better facilities at the stadium's Amber bar. Although there was an 800 metres walk to the start and back from the finish this served as a good warm up walk for Claire and Tina who worry far less than Carl and David about running well and achieving PBs!. The course itself is very flat and comprises mostly of quiet lanes that go through a couple of villages and across the wetland areas of the estuary. A couple of wind turbines and the old transporter bridge are also in view. Whilst an 8 mile race is not generally a recognised distance Carl and David ran very good times and that is even though David (who is a martyr to his health and injuries) had a cold and sore achilles!. The race was well organised and the marshalls encouraging making the race altogether a pleasant experience.
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Womens Triathlon Training Camp Club La Santa Lanzarote 28th Jan-4th Feb
This was fabulous week, thanks to Emma for suggesting it, booking it and driving to the airport...she kidnapped us, kicking and screaming we were led to the best holiday I've had in a long time. Liza, from Croft Ambrey myself and Emma enjoyed fabulous coaching and more training in one week we'd do in a month! Look at the pics to see full story. Tanja Slater ran the course with amazing enthusiasm and Rose helped all us novice swimmers swim in a 50 meter pool (more or less correctly!). The week was finished off with a Sprint Tri. Click here for photos Full report coming soon.
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Hay to Crickhowell 24.1.10 19ish miles
Posted by Hay Hotfooters Mountain Corps
This was a run of 4 parts and thanks to our logistics man (Carl) it all went very smoothly. 5 set off from Hay Bluff Carpark. 1 (Ange) ran back after 3.5 miles for a family dinner. And then there were 4, we ran to Crickhowell up hill and downdale for 19.35 miles. Meanwhile down in Crickhowell, Jules and Shaun ran 9 miles on the canal and Claire and Tina ran another mountain run including the canal for 7ish miles. All rounded of by dinner at the Bear in Crickhowell.
Photos of the 19 miler Click here
Elevation Click here PDF
Click here for full report and google map |
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Hay to Hay bluff back via llanigon approx 13 miles 17.1.10
Posted by Jo
The snow has gone so back to running on terra firma, well almost. Carl, John and myself plus the dogs ran up to Hay Bluff. This is a run I love it takes in plenty of hills, woodland, forestry and water plus some tricky rubbley off road running. There was still plenty of snow on the top which we kept dissapearing into nearly up to our waists at times. I happened to look back at one point and found Carl climbing out of a snow drift I'd just submerged myself in. The run then heads off down a lovely valley with streams and bridges before heading back over Hay Common. My new MDS rucksack felt great. Photos Click here Elevation and map Click here |
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Social Hay Hotfooter run or search for Scott of the Antarctic Posted by Carl
Due to the lack of a cross country race this weekend and the need for some Hotfooters to get an adrenalin fix, eleven foolhardy, oops I meant hardened Hotfooters decided to run the Magic Roundabout in extreme wintery conditions. I am pleased to say I counted them all out and counted them all back in again.
Click here to read more and see pics
Click here for pics |
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Carls Snowy Hay Hillraiser run Click here for snowy pics
The route was fab less for the 2 miles I had to fight through snow drift en route to the ford crossing points.
The only other bad bit was the last mile of road coming off the mountain into Hay as it was sheet ice!!
From the turning left after Llanigon all the way up to the carpark and then the first 2 miles of decent were just bliss running in the soft compact snow. The fight through the drift snow would not have been too bad/scary had it not been getting dark and having 6 miles left to go! |
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New Years Day Hereford 10k Posted by John
Over a dozen HHs managed to get themselves out of bed and shrug off the excesses of the night before (including some who had run in the Nos Galen only hours earlier) to run in the Wye Valley Runners New Year’s day 10km. The day was bright and the air was cold and sharp – and, as ever, the race was brilliantly organized and marshalled (with lots of enthusiastic spectator support – even for the “also rans” like myself). A road run (even if it was an ice rink in places) made a change from the cross country mud and the snowy wastes of recent Club runs. The usual good performance from Carl brought him home first (of the HHs) and 21st overall – he was so quick that the HH support team were still in the bar when he crossed the line (shame on them!). There were very solid runs from Martin, David and Angie – which bodes well for 2010. The Rowlands team (Andrew and Diane) finished less than 100 seconds apart – this rivalry is sure to get increasingly competitive – and the rest of us were probably just pleased to get round without too much embarrassment. No doubt we all made the usual New Year’s solemn promises to ourselves to train harder, eat and drink less and generally “do better next year” – we will see! Some of us then promptly broke these resolutions at the splendid curry lunch kindly laid on by Caroline after the race back in Hay. Results go to www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk Photos Click here |
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